The Brink by Shayla Black

Her fingers shook as she tried to align the key into the lock. After the third try, she finally managed and turned the handle. The impatient part of her wanted to shove the door open and run through the house. Another part wanted to savor every moment of this amazing dream.

Raine gave the door a tiny nudge, and it swung open, revealing one tantalizing inch at a time.

“I know we’re not married, but…” Liam swooped her up in his arms, then carried her across the threshold.

She giggled as he set her down. Hammer stepped in and palmed the light switch by the door, flooding the expansive foyer with light. Raine could only think of one word to describe the place.

Wow.

The hardwood floors gleamed a pale cherry and spread down the long corridor and up the wide staircase to the second floor. A crystal chandelier hung above her head, minimal and elegant—perfect for the space.

An opening to her right revealed a family room with walls painted in a tranquil pale sage and built-in bookshelves a lovely dove gray around the white marble fireplace surround. Liam turned on the lights in the room, and she saw a traditional gleaming white mantel with intricate columns and moldings, making her ooh and ahh. On an adjacent wall sat the brace for a giant flat-screen. Raine could imagine comfy couches in here, reading by the fire, snuggled with Liam doing a Sunday crossword or watching football with Hammer.

Three French doors lined the back of the room, leading out to a cozy little sunroom that flanked the backyard and would let in a ton of natural light.

Drawn as if it were a beacon, Raine wandered toward the space with her mouth hanging open. She couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful house if she’d tried.

“Look to your right,” Liam murmured.

Raine whirled. And gasped. “Oh, my god…”

The family room extended a good twenty-five feet. Moldings at the ceilings and baseboards were pristine and substantial but somehow just right for the space. Three cottage windows, topped with leaded-glass eyebrows, would let in more sunlight on the far side of the room. Two built-in shelving units, arched and obviously original to the house, had been restored lovingly.

“Everything is…perfect. When was the house built?”

“Nineteen fourteen.” Liam smiled as he guided her around the room with a hand at the small of her back. “Since I bought it, I’ve had the plumbing and electrical brought up to code. The house was in good shape, but I’ve had the necessary minor repairs completed. Most recently, the contractors have been painting.”

The faint smell of it lingered in the air, and Raine nodded in amazement at all his choices. “It’s as if you read my mind, Liam.”

Hammer watched her intently, seemingly pleased by her response. He sauntered closer and dropped a kiss on her mouth. “We want you happy.”

“How could I be anything else?” She feathered her lips across his, then turned to Liam and sank into his kiss for a sweet moment.

They continued the tour by peeking into a powder bath at the end of the foyer with floor-to-ceiling polished travertine and a large oval mirror. Funny that a bathroom should look regal, but this one managed.

Across from the family room sat a formal living room, complete with a black baby grand. It opened to an expansive dining room with more French doors leading to more gardens. Silk drapes, pale gray walls, and classic moldings all framed a beautiful eight-armed fixture made of a fascinating blend of a white rustic wood and glittering crystal.

Toward the back of the dining room, a leaded-glass door drew Raine’s attention. She tiptoed toward it. Her head told her this was now her house. Her shock told her not to touch or break something that belonged to someone else. Carefully, she pushed at the door.

Hammer grabbed her arm. “Brace yourself.”

A little warning gong resounded through her. She could easily dial back her expectations since the house had already far surpassed anything she’d imagined.

She smiled his way, then Liam’s. “Whatever is behind this door will be great. I can make anything work.”

Nodding, Hammer cupped the curve of her waist before his palm took a slow slide down her ass. “Good girl. Go on.”

Tummy tightening, Raine poked at the swinging door. As it opened, Liam flipped on the light. She filed into the space, seeing a sizeable butler’s pantry immediately to her left. Then the portal swung wide, and she spotted the kitchen.

Her jaw dropped. She couldn’t speak.

Gleaming marble floors, medium-toned walnut cabinets, every appliance known to man. She wandered around the room, checking out the Sub-Zero refrigerator built in behind faux panels to match the rest of the room, the convection and conventional ovens, the six-burner gas cooktop… Amazing. This was a cook’s paradise, complete with two sinks, one in the huge island that seated three on wide, black leather barstools. A wine fridge, a storage rack for stems, and a lovely door that led to the backyard. This kitchen just kept on giving.

“Anything you want to change?”

She wasn’t terribly fond of the black granite counters, mostly because she suspected they would be a bitch to keep clean. But spending time here would be a treat. “No.”

Hammer faced her and leaned down until they stood eye to eye. “You forget how well I can read you. Let’s try again. Anything you want to change?”

Raine didn’t want to seem ungrateful, but Hammer was insistent. “The countertops.”

A wide smile spread across his face as he sauntered over to Liam, who looked about ready to burst with his grin. They high-fived one another.

“What’s that about?” she asked.

“We both guessed you’d feel that way, love,” Liam supplied. “I had a feeling when I bought this house that the kitchen would be your favorite room, but I saw you wanting something brighter that matched your personality.”

The fact that he’d thought of the interior design in such detail touched her. In fact, they looked very pleased with themselves. She was pretty happy, too.

At the far end of the kitchen, a long, narrow room housed a full-sized washer and dryer, a long countertop for folding, and a stainless-steel sink for industrial cleaning. A kitschy ironing board pulled out from the wall. Whoever had built the house really had thought of everything.

The kitchen led to a pale yellow breakfast nook surrounded by three walls of windows that overlooked the backyard. When Liam flipped a switch, light flooded the back patio. A pool glimmered just outside. Raine couldn’t wait to walk out and see it.

Through a back door, the three of them pushed their way into the moonlight. Raine blinked and stared at their own personal Shangri-La. Unreal…

The pool lay like a blue oasis across the yard, long, curved, and serene, surrounded by a spa, fountains, and classical urns filled with ferns and flowers. Giant palms swayed in the slight breeze all around the pool like solid sentries, ensuring privacy.

“You know what I was thinking when I first saw this yard?” Liam asked with a grin.

Raine scanned the space. Surrounded by the house on one side, the towering plants and full shrubs on two more, and another two-storied structure she couldn’t identify, the pool and patio were completely private. Even the gazes of nosy neighbors in their big houses on either side couldn’t penetrate the wall of greenery. Only someone in a helicopter could see them. Maybe.

She shook her head at Liam. “That I won’t need a bathing suit.”

His smile widened and turned devilish as he cupped her breast. “Exactly. I mean to fuck you out here. A great deal.”

Hammer ambled up behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist. Then his hand drifted down to cup her pussy. “Hmm. I see more than one surface I can bend you over and fill you with my cock.”

Raine gasped. Her head rolled back on Hammer’s shoulder. Liam moved in and trailed kisses down her neck, then reached into her shirt and pulled one breast from her bra and over the V-neck. The wind barely caressed her nipple before he engulfed it in his mouth. As she gasped, Hammer lifted her swishy skirt, tucked his fingers under the elastic of her panties, and began rubbing her clit.

“God, that’s so fucking sexy,” Hammer groaned as he watched Liam suck on her nipple. “You’re so wet.”

Her body felt wide open to them. The pleasure they never failed to bestow sent her head reeling, her body aching…her soul pleading for more.

“Spread your legs.” Macen nudged at her thighs with his fingers. “And no more panties.”

“This bra is in my fucking way,” Liam snarled. “Damn it to hell, I can smell her.”

They were driving her mad, dousing her body with ecstasy, flooding her veins with heady desire. She wriggled against Hammer’s fingers for more friction.

“Why don’t we help each other?” Hammer suggested.

Liam didn’t hesitate. “Deal.”

Before Raine could question what they meant, Hammer unhooked her bra at the back and pulled it away from her breasts, leaving them to dangle, while Liam reached under her skirt and pulled her panties down to her ankles.

“Step out,” Hammer commanded.

Raine did so automatically. Did they really mean to fuck her right here? Right now?

“Shirt off,” Liam insisted.

She took that to mean yes.

Swallowing hard, heart racing, she followed orders, tugging at her shirt to yank it free. The minute it cleared her head, Liam tugged her bra off and tossed it onto the patio, beside her shirt and panties.

Taking a step back, Liam looked on as Hammer fingered her pussy under her brief skirt as the moonlight gleamed down on her bare breasts.

“So fucking lovely. I think it would be a prettier picture without the skirt, mate.”

With a growl, Hammer popped the button at the small of her back and tried to tug the zipper down. It wasn’t easy one-handed, and he gave a frustrated grunt.

“A little help here, please.”

Liam sauntered close again. “My pleasure.”

Raine’s heart pounded furiously as he wrapped his arms around her waist, finding the zipper as his lips locked over hers. He took the kiss deep and sweeping. She had trouble breathing as the sensations and their scents overwhelmed her.

After a brush of cotton down her thighs, she stood completely bare between them. Liam cupped her breasts and thumbed her peaked nipples, approval gleaming in his dark eyes as Hammer continued to work her clit dangerously close to orgasm. A flush rose up her body. She whimpered in a little plea and felt herself utterly melting.

“Jesus…” Hammer sounded impatient. “I’m dying to be inside her hot little cunt.”

“As much as I love her lush breasts…” Liam drawled, then curled his hand around her waist and caressed down to her bare backside. “I find myself desperate to bury my cock in her ass.”

Hammer nipped at her neck, the bite filled with a reckless impatience that only jacked her desire up more. “I don’t think I have a damn condom with me.”

“I only have one,” Liam murmured as he inflicted love bites all around her aching nipples. “And I don’t have any lube.”

That was bad news. Terrible. The worst.

With a groan, Hammer stiffened. Raine felt his displeasure—largely in the cessation of the rhythm of his fingers.

She keened, long and loud. “Please…”

“Precious.” He dusted the sensitive spot just under her ear with apologetic kisses. “We’ll have to go back to the club. The one and only fucking time I’m not prepared…”

“Wait! I just remembered I am.” Liam nipped at her hard peaks. “Let’s tour the bedroom.”

“Fuck yeah,” Hammer breathed.

The guys gathered up her clothes—none of that silly donning-garments for her. Raine’s pussy ached, but she prayed they’d give her relief soon. And in her new house… What could be sweeter?

They couldn’t run upstairs fast enough. At the top, she had a sense of an elegant landing, gorgeous built-ins, three open doors leading to what she was sure were perfectly wonderful bedrooms, a big roomy bathroom between, then a step up to the biggest bedroom.

The master.

As they turned the corner, Liam turned on some lighting, which glowed above the crown molding, providing soft ambiance to the whole enormous room. The size shocked her almost as much as a plush bed smack-dab in the middle, complete with pristine white sheets. A massive nightstand sat nearby in the otherwise empty room.

Liam nudged her toward the mattress. “Get on the bed, love.”

“And spread your legs,” Hammer added.

Raine didn’t dare disobey—and she didn’t want to. But as she moved toward the bed, she had too many questions to stay mute. “When did you…?”

“Prepare the room? Weeks ago, not long after I bought it.” He shrugged. “I planned to bring you here as soon as the time was right and spend the night enjoying you in every way possible. But I think this will be even better.” With a little smirk, he opened the top drawer and reached inside. “Catch.” He tossed a condom Hammer’s way.

Macen caught it one-handed, then sent her a feral smile. “You’re dawdling, girl.”

Liam pulled another condom and a tube of lube from the drawer and set them both on the gleaming surface. “A bit faster, if you please.”

It wasn’t exactly a request. Her stomach knotted with excitement.

Raine eased onto the bed, the cool sheets at her back. Propping herself on her elbows, she parted her thighs just enough to tease them and watched as they came toward her in tandem.

Yes. God, yes. This was what she needed… The two halves of her heart working together to make her whole. And they needed her to be open to them. After having so many events out of their control today, they’d want to exercise their power. They would require it.

The men sent one another a stare she couldn’t quite read, but Raine had little doubt they plotted something that would eventually bring her pleasure. She couldn’t wait.

At the edge of the bed, Liam tsked and shook his head. “That will never do.”

“Not at all,” Hammer concurred as he wrapped one hand around her thigh.

On the right, Liam did the same. Then together, they spread her wide, exposing her pussy to their hungry stares. Their savage smiles made her blush.

“Love me,” she breathed.

Liam caressed her hip. “We do.”

“But we’ll tell you again if you need to hear it.” Hammer lifted her leg. Gravity bent her knee, and he set her limb down again, foot planted on the mattress, then stared at her pussy. “Pretty.”

“I like that.” Liam arranged her other foot down on the plush surface, somehow spreading her even wider.

“You’re intentionally misunderstanding me. I mean, make love to me,” Raine entreated. “Take me. I felt as if I belonged to you both last night.” Before Beck’s emergency surgery, Gwyneth’s intrusion, and the secret-baby scare. “I want that again.”

“You don’t give orders and ultimatums.” Hammer’s smile disappeared, replaced by a commanding passion she was beginning to learn well. He skated his fingertips up her thigh, trailing lip-bitingly close to where she needed their touch. A shiver zipped down her spine. “Now, it’s our way.”

“It is.” Liam’s voice sounded rough. “You’ll drown in the pleasure we give you. In return, you’ll give us every one of your whimpers, moans, and screams. We will hear exactly what our lovemaking does to you, Raine. Do you understand?”

“Yes…” Their words and demeanors were unraveling her. “Yes, Sirs.”

A corner of Hammer’s lips kicked up in a grin. “You haven’t behaved very submissively since you stormed back into Shadows, full of accusations. That changes now.”

Right now.Raine heard him loud and clear.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Better.” He grazed his knuckles over the bare pad of her pussy.

She raised her hips to him, shuddering as she remembered the way they’d shaved her yesterday. Again today in the shower earlier, Hammer had seen to the task himself with a pride in ownership that probably should have pushed every feminist button inside her. Instead, it just turned her on.

Raine whimpered. He gave her an evil chuckle and pulled his hand away. She bit her tongue. Neither demanding nor whining would get her anywhere. As much as she hated it, he would force her to be patient and wait.

The thought had barely crossed her mind when she felt Liam slide his shoulders between her thighs and work his way up to her needy sex.

She tensed, held her breath—and spread even wider for him.

“That’s a girl…” Liam breathed against her wet flesh.

His first lazy swipe through her drenched folds had her groaning and blindly reaching for him. She couldn’t repress the urge to drive her clit against his tongue to feed the impossible ache as she bucked against his mouth. Hammer had other plans.

He rounded the bed and caught her wrists in one of his big hands, pinning them to the mattress as he stood behind her. He bent and captured her lips with his own as his free hand wrapped around a sensitive breast.

She was burning, every nerve ending aflame and crying out in agonized bliss. Another whimper tore from her lips, only to be swallowed by Hammer’s lips as Liam continued tormenting her cunt.

He added fingers, one at a time, slotting between her swollen folds as he suckled and teased her pouting clit with his relentless tongue.

As if eager to add to her suffering, Hammer tore his mouth from hers to nip at her taut nipples, a scrape of teeth followed by a hard, sucking pull. On fire now, Raine arched her back and wailed for them, an incoherent plea.

“That’s it. That’s what we want to hear,” Hammer murmured, his mouth still pressed to her breast. “Give us your cries.”

Raine mewled out again when Hammer sank his teeth into her tender nipple, just enough to send a tingle of pleasurable pain radiating through her. At the same time, Liam wrapped his lips around her clit, sucking with a beautifully brutal draw and proving that he and Hammer maneuvered together like a perfect team.

They were both completely dressed—feasting on her naked body with their mouths, teeth, fingers, and tongues, pushing her to the edge. Every nibble, touch, suck, and probe confirmed the fact that they were determined to command not only her mind and body—but every last shred of her control.

Liam drove his fingers deeper still, twisting until he settled over the hidden knot of nerves inside her before strumming the sensitive spot with an exacting pressure. The roar of pending release began to throb in her ears.

“Please,” she gasped, arching her hips from the mattress again, longing to rush over the edge of release.

“Are you ready to come for us?” Hammer taunted.

“Yes. Oh, god, yes.”

Liam’s mouth never left her clit as he raised his gaze and drilled her with a dark stare, his hooded lids heavy with lust. Virile and seductive, he worked to bring her pleasure. The sight unraveled her self-control.

Then Hammer plucked at her nipple, gently twisting as he settled his mouth close to her ear. “When you returned to Shadows and threw your little fit, did you ever think there might be another side of the story? Or did you simply believe everything Gwyneth told you?”

Raine moaned, her pending orgasm simmering just below a boil. Hammer wanted to talk about this now?

“I’m sorry,” she blurted.

“I didn’t ask if you were sorry; I asked if you believed her.”

“Kind of…” Raine squeaked as Liam continued that unrelenting quest with his tongue. “The horrible things she said made sense at the time.”

Liam lifted his mouth from her, giving his lips a slow lick that made her belly tighten and dip. “So, love…”

No! Don’t stop. Can’t we talk later?She sent him a pleading stare, which he ignored.

“You just assumed I’d fucked Gwyneth?” he asked. “I’m curious… Am I the only one you don’t trust or does that extend to Hammer as well? Maybe you lack faith in love altogether?”

That wasn’t true…not really. Well, maybe a little. She sighed. She’d never been good with trust, not when almost everyone had let her down.

“What else was I supposed to think? The evidence that you’d scened with her was all over the condo. And Gwyneth’s red fuck-me ensemble didn’t exactly make me feel better. Coupled with the fact that you walked right past me in Beck’s lobby after I called your name… I didn’t know what else to think.”

“I didn’t hear or see you.” Liam frowned. “When have I ever ignored you, Raine?”

In the car earlier today.But pointing that out wouldn’t be wise. Or kind. He’d had extenuating circumstances. And normally, he made her feel like the center of his world.

Now, Raine regretted accusing him of screwing the shrew before she’d asked a single question. Knowing Liam had bought her this amazing house in the hopes she’d share it with them, she felt even more contrite.

“Almost never.” Guilt further cooled her desire. “I’m working on learning to trust both of you. But I have to fight myself everyday to believe I’m worthy and that love won’t hurt. I’ve never experienced the kind that wasn’t painful.”

“I see.” Liam resumed strumming her clit with his fingers as he pinned her with a hard stare. Raine worried they had more questions poised on the tips of their tongues.

“Let me guess.” Hammer leaned in close, his lips drawn in a tight line. “It was easier and more comfortable to fall back into old behavior than to implement anything we taught you at the lodge.”

She bit back a little huff. “I wasn’t rational. I didn’t exactly make a conscious effort to lose my temper.”

“You didn’t think at all. You closed yourself off to us,” Hammer chided.

“And you won’t be doing that again,” Liam warned. “You’re not allowed to hide yourself or your feelings. Hammer and I will always strip your walls down and lay you open, raw and naked, like you are now. Do you understand?”

Raine knew they meant every word.

“Yes, Sirs,” she murmured, feeling duly scolded.

Bending back to her pussy, he swiped his tongue over her flesh. Raine jolted with renewed sensation and moaned. In an instant, he ramped her back up until she needed so badly for them to cover, devour, and fill her.

Instead, Liam paused again. “By the way, if you want this climax, you’ll have to swear you’ll never shut us out again.”

What?They commanded her, ruled her desires, and controlled her body. Now they wanted her to make a promise she likely couldn’t keep? Didn’t they know she’d say or do almost anything right now for the shimmering orgasm just out of reach?

Raine didn’t believe that if she uttered a few easy words, they’d shower her with bliss. No way. They’d want more. Way more. And when Liam’s fingers got busy again, she really couldn’t find the patience to figure out what. Instead, she gave them a keening little cry.

“Is that a yes or a no?” Liam asked with a quick slap to her cunt.

A deep burn seared her folds. Raine hissed as the fire spread outward in a slow, stinging slide.

“Convince us you intend to communicate honestly.” Hammer arched a dark brow.

Liam swooped in low, giving her a long, torturous lick before backing away again. “Or will Hammer and I take turns edging you for the next month?”

God, that sounded awful. She groaned in desperation. “Yes. I’ll communicate.”

“Rationally and calmly,” Hammer insisted.

Liam nipped at her inner thigh, his fingers plying her clit with maddening circles. “Without yelling or sounding as if you’re from the gutter. You know I don’t like that language from you, lass.”

She did. She knew. “It slipped out. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“It best not.” Liam laved her clit slowly.

The friction kept her achy and needy. Raine had no idea if she could keep her promise, but she’d have to try damn hard because she couldn’t possibly make it another thirty seconds without this orgasm.

“No.” She shook her head frantically. “Communication. Honesty. Trust. Got it.”

Hammer leaned into her face, his expression sharp, exacting. “Tell me why we should believe you.”

“I want you,” she gasped out.

He tweaked her nipple again. “That’s a given. I can see the flush turning your skin rosy and smell your sweet pussy.”

That wasn’t helping her train of thought. Panting, Raine closed her eyes and tried to gather her wits. “No, I mean I want to make you both happy, please you, make you proud. I know I lose my temper, but deep down, that’s all I want. Please…”

“Hmm. Your words make me even harder, precious.” He caressed her cheek, and she opened her eyes, her lashes fluttering.

“That’s true for me as well,” Liam agreed, then settled his mouth over her pussy again, the torture-by-tongue igniting a fever of hitched breaths and ecstasy poised right on the precipice… Abruptly, he pulled away once more, his lazy fingers replacing his tongue.

She writhed, her legs twisting as she moaned long and low. “Please…”

“Not yet,” Hammer murmured as he toyed with her nipple, then shot Liam a knowing smirk.

What now?She dug her nails into Hammer’s hands, arching, trying to cling to sanity.

“Why don’t you think you’re worthy of us, Raine?” Hammer demanded.

“What?” How the hell was she supposed to answer that?

Liam pinched her clit. “You heard us. We’re waiting.”

Raine’s hips shot off the bed. She knew their game, and it sucked. They wouldn’t relent until she talked, so she squeezed her eyes shut and dragged in deep breaths that did absolutely nothing to calm the raging fire inside her.

“I’m not the type either of you are attracted to.”

“Type? What do you think we like?” Hammer demanded.

Plastic Barbies whose IQs are smaller than their ring size.“Come on. Marlie was beautiful, but Gwyneth leaves her in the dust. They’re both gorgeous, blonde, and—”

“Void of a heart or soul,” Liam interrupted.

Hammer crossed his arms over his chest. “So you measure your self-worth by comparing your physical appearance to women who mean absolutely nothing to us?”

Apparently, this answer interested Liam since he paused his torture again.

Frustration set in. “They were clearly easy to ogle and fu… Um, screw.”

That made Hammer scowl. “And even easier to forget. Damn it, Raine. I’ve been in love with you for six fucking years.”

It would have been nice if you’d told me, instead of turning me away and making me feel ugly.

“And I fell hard and fast for you in a way I never had. But …” Liam shrugged, then quirked a brow toward Hammer. “That complicated everything.”

Macen sent him an ironic smile. “Complicated or not, I’m still glad.”

“I’m glad, too.” She bit her lip and turned to Hammer. “How I’ve felt about you is no secret. But you surrounded yourself with Marlies for years. I wasn’t ever going to be tall or blonde or look like I’d spent hours at the salon. My mom left when I was young, so what I knew about makeup could fit in a thimble. I couldn’t compete. I didn’t know how to try.”

She closed her eyes. God, she hated dredging up this icky shit. It made her sound weak and feel wretchedly inferior.

“Your honesty was very nice, precious,” Hammer praised, letting go of her wrists.

No, it was embarrassing and sucked big monkey balls.

“Open your eyes,” Hammer insisted. “No hiding.”

Raine weighed the pros and cons of complying. But she couldn’t not face them forever. And if she wanted that orgasm Liam dangled like a sweet carrot, she would have to fall in line.

She opened her eyes and stared at the crown moldings. They really were lovely and… Why was Hammer removing his belt? She’d barely wondered before Liam’s warm breath wafted over her aching pussy. Then it almost didn’t matter.

“We’re proud of you, love.” Liam sent her a satisfied smile, then lowered his lips to her clit again and sucked gently.

Raine melted against his mouth. Finally… Had she told them what they wanted to hear? It seemed so, and she thanked her lucky stars they intended to put her out of her misery.

She stretched, luxuriating in the rise of bliss again, needing and squirming and trying to catch her breath.

When she grabbed for Liam’s hair, Hammer gripped her hands and pulled them above her head again. Her eyes flew open wide as she craned her neck in time to see him wrap the belt around her wrists like makeshift cuffs.

“If you need rope, mate, it’s in the nightstand,” Liam murmured against her weeping folds.

“Good man.” Then Hammer drilled her with a command. “Don’t move.”

Raine held her breath, not even daring to shake her head. Oh, she loved bondage, and they both knew it. That persistent ache behind her clit ramped up again, and she shot him an imploring stare, even as Liam opened his mouth against her and ate at her hungrily once more.

Macen returned in moments with a length of silky white rope. He tied it to the end of his belt, then secured the length to the bedframe and stepped back to admire his handiwork with a self-satisfied smile.

As if she wasn’t in total sensual distress, Hammer settled onto the bed next to her and smoothed his fingers through her hair. She raised her head, silently asking for a kiss.

He skimmed a slow gaze over her face and shook his head. “What else led you to think you weren’t as attractive as Marlie or Gwyneth?”

“Macen…” she whimpered. Stop talking. Let me come.

At her whine, Liam released her clit and pinned her with a warning glare. “Answer him.”

She gave them both a long-suffering sigh. They weren’t going to budge until she talked. “It’s probably stupid…but none of the Doms at Shadows ever seemed interested in me. I know their opinions shouldn’t matter. It’s just…I always figured I must be unattractive since no one even wanted to play with me.”

Hammer’s expression clouded with guilt. “I’m to blame for that. When you first arrived, I declared myself your protector. Everyone respected the fact that an underage girl was off limits. When you turned eighteen…” He grimaced. “I got hit up three times during your party alone. I’m still approached regularly. I refuse everyone. It’s not you.”

His words hit like a slugger’s bat to her psyche. Her jaw dropped. “I had no idea.”

“I concealed the information for a couple of reasons. You needed someone to watch over you, and I didn’t want you mixed up with some player who might screw with your head or bruise your tender heart.”

Like Zak, who’d taken her virginity.

Macen could be an ass, but he was a natural-born defender. In a way, his protectiveness was touching.

He looked uncomfortable. “And…I didn’t think I could stand to watch anyone else touch you. I was selfish, and I’m sorry if hoarding you made you question your worth.”

Liam grinned, rubbing his fingers around her clit again in aimless circles. “Raine, I took you under my wing because you needed it. And because I couldn’t resist you. You’re lovely.”

Their attention now made her feel lovely. She smiled—and maybe even glowed a little.

“Thank you for being honest,” she murmured to Hammer, then turned to Liam. “And for being so kind.”

“Let us show you how beautiful we think you are,” Liam murmured before laying siege to her pussy once more—sucking and licking while penetrating her empty sex with nimble fingers.

Raine cried out in delight and curled her hands around the taut leather belt, holding tight as she endured his stunning assault.

Then Hammer added to her torment, bending to her and laving her nipple. She let out a long moan as he sucked deep and feasted on her heavy breast.

The teasing game they’d played—taking her to the brink of release only to deny her—had stripped her of restraint. Pleasure pelted her from every direction at once. She couldn’t contain or control it. Raine simply hung on for the shuddering breakneck ride.

Liam scraped his teeth over her throbbing clit. With an agonized groan, she fought the rising desire because they hadn’t given her permission to come. Hammer continued the double assault, devouring her lips, her neck, her breasts like a hungry wolf. Together, they forced her headlong toward oblivion. Thrashing between them, Raine moaned and pleaded as they ripped every ounce of pleasure from her.

Aware of Hammer leaning over her, she whispered in hoarse desperation, “Please…Sirs. Please.”

He paused, and she glimpsed pride in his smile—along with a bit of sadistic joy. “You’ve earned this one. Come hard. Give Liam your pleasure.”

Before he’d even finished speaking, the rush of blood and desire burst into a writhing euphoria that sent her soaring. As her sex clenched, a guttural scream tore from her throat. Liam suckled her clit and rubbed at her most sensitive spots with his clever fingers. He drew her pleasure out with precision. It was nothing less than exquisite torture. Cries of rapture tore from her throat as she called their names.

“Fuck,” Hammer cursed as he cupped her face. “You make me want you so damn bad. I’m going to pack your pussy full, precious.”

Even as Liam stroked his tongue gently over her throbbing bud, drawing a lingering sweetness from the climax and easing her down, Hammer’s vow ratcheted her back up again. Shock waves pinged through her body.

Liam eased back from her cunt and rose. “I’m going to do the same to your ass, love. We’re going to fill you so completely, you won’t know where you end and we begin.”

Oh, pretty please with sugar on top…

“You better be ready to dig your nails into my shoulders and scream. And we’ll do everything we promised…” Hammer smiled. “As soon as you show us that you won’t hide behind the defenses in your psyche anymore.”

Show them how? “I’m working on my trust issues.”

“And the best way to do that is to submit.” Liam climbed onto the bed beside her.

“Isn’t that what I’ve been doing?”

“When you’re in the mood,” Hammer poked. “We all know that when Liam had you collared, you only gave him pieces of yourself and only on your terms.”

It was true. She hadn’t given Liam all of her soul. He may have forgiven her, but she still struggled to forgive herself.

Hammer skimmed a knuckle across her cheek.

Liam stroked her abdomen, her thigh. “If your focus is on submitting to us, you won’t be so quick to scurry behind your walls again because it will hurt to shut us out. You’ll have a void only we can fill.”

“You know I want to please you.” Raine licked her lips nervously. She didn’t know exactly where he meant to take the conversation, but she had some worrisome ideas.

Liam gave her a devilish grin. “How soon we fill those your aching voids is up to you.”

Hammer leaned onto his side to check her hands. Once he’d massaged her fingers and wrists, he settled beside her again with a satisfied nod. “All you have to do is tell us five things you love about yourself.”

“Five things that…” Was he serious? “Right now? I’m naked and bound to the bed and you want to play armchair—”

“Hit a nerve, did we, love?” Liam arched his brows before his expression turned downright insistent. “Name them. Now.”

She’d rather be waterboarded. “My self-opinion doesn’t have anything to do with us.”

“Wrong.” Hammer shook his head. “The way you perceive yourself affects you so it affects our relationship.”

“You’re filtering again, Raine,” Liam pointed out. “You’re deciding that your self-image isn’t important. That’s not your choice to make. You’re not allowed to close off parts of yourself and only give us what’s comfortable.”

“Step outside your comfort zone,” Hammer instructed. “For the last time, Raine. Tell us five things you love about yourself.”

“I love working in the dungeon and cook—”

“Stop.” Hammer narrowed his eyes in warning. “Not the things you enjoy. You seem fixated by what Marlie and Gwyneth look like. Tell me five of your own physical attributes you appreciate.”

Couldn’t they pour hot oil over her? It would burn just the same. Dreaming up a handful of characteristics she liked about herself could take all night. But she was naked, cuffed, and at their mercy. She had nowhere to hide.

She sucked in a deep breath. “I like my boobs.”

“Like or love?” Liam asked.

For herself, she didn’t care much, but… “I love them.”

“Why?” Liam quizzed.

“Because they bring you and Hammer pleasure.”

“That they do.” Liam chuckled. “Same goes for the rest of you.”

“This isn’t about us,” Hammer pointed out “We want to know what you love about yourself.”

Um…“The color of my eyes.”

“So do we. Keep going,” Liam encouraged.

“My legs.”

“Tell us why,” Hammer urged.

“I like their shape, though I’ve always wished they were longer.”

“You’re perfect just the way you are,” Hammer assured. “You always have been.”

Raine paused, running through a litany of additional possibilities. She didn’t like her hair much. It was so dark brown, almost black. And it wasn’t as thick as she’d like. Her smile? A million other women had one similar. She could grow nice fingernails, but men didn’t care much about stuff like that. Her skin had always been so fair, and she wished she could carry at least a little tan, but she just burned. Her nose and her cheeks had always seemed simply average. Her chin was a bit too square, her mouth a hint too wide. Apparently, she’d pretty much exhausted the list at three.

She darted a nervous glance between Hammer and Liam, then shrugged. “That’s all I can think of.”

Without a word, Hammer untied the rope and released his belt, freeing her wrists. He rubbed her hands, working the blood back into her fingertips.

“Kneel on the floor,” Hammer ordered.

She wanted to ask why but bit her tongue. Neither of them looked thrilled that she’d come up short. Did they mean to punish her?

After scooting off the bed, she sank to her knees and spread her thighs, resting her hands atop them. Let’s get this over with.

“Since you’re having trouble thinking of more than three aspects of your appearance you love, let’s try another angle. Hammer and I gave you some affirmations at the lodge, Raine,” Liam reminded. “Recite them to us now.”

She blanched and issued an inward scream. “I’d rather list more things I love about myself. I’m reasonably smart. I can be funny—”

“You had your chance. The affirmations, if you please,” Liam insisted.

Ugh.Raine had memorized every damn word but loathed having to spit them out again. “They make me feel awkward and uncomfortable.”

Actually, they made her itch. Liam and Hammer knew that.

“Because you don’t believe them yet. Say them enough, and you will.” Hammer shot her an expectant smile.

Might as well get this over with…Raine resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I will open myself up and share not only my needs but my emotions.”

“Every need—from tampons to kisses,” Hammer reiterated.

“Especially your fears, joys, accomplishments, and worries,” Liam added.

I know. I know. I’m trying to figure out how…

“I will be totally honest at all times without fear of embarrassment or reprisal. Nor will I hold back for fear of hurting someone’s feelings.”

“You know we expect total honesty. Without fail,” Liam emphasized.

“Is that clear?” Hammer asked in that damn hard-assed Dom voice that turned her on.

“Yes, Sirs.” Raine swallowed tightly. They’d already dealt with that mantra a bunch at the lodge.

“Next one,” Liam prodded, gesticulating with his finger.

She sighed. “No one has control over any aspect of my life unless I choose to give them my gift.”

Hammer nodded. “Just remember, you can take back your control any time you want, Raine. But don’t decide to toss in the towel just because things get uncomfortable.”

Been there. Done that. She’d hated the T-shirt. “I understand, Sirs.”

Liam frowned. “Today, you handed your control over to Gwyneth. You gave her the power to hurt you, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.” She hadn’t meant to, but Raine now realized that she’d let Liam’s bitch-faced ex climb inside her head.

“Last one,” Hammer murmured. “You’re doing really well, precious.”

Raine nodded and tried not to wince. On the surface, this declaration seemed like it should be the easiest. Somehow, it hurt the most. “I deserve happiness and love.”

Without a word, they knelt beside her, surrounded her.

“You do.” Liam brushed her hair back over her shoulder and cupped her chin before he pressed his lips to the pulse point on her neck. “We hope you’ll let us fill you with our love and happiness, Raine.”

“Every day,” Macen echoed.

A single tear slipped down her cheek as she raised her hands and cupped each of their cheeks. “I’ll always try to share my emotions and fears with you two—without yelling or cursing. I can’t promise I’ll never hide behind my walls, but if I’m not aware I’m doing it, tell me. I’ll work hard to come out…or let you in.”

The broad smiles that lit up their faces were almost blinding. They hugged her, and Raine felt something shift deep inside. It wasn’t this house’s beauty that made it a home because her home would always be in their arms.

“I think you’re catching on,” Hammer teased.

“Yeah, yeah.” She flashed him a playful pout.

“We’re proud of you, love. Keep your faith in us. We won’t let you down.” Liam kissed her so gently she almost melted.

Hammer stood and extended his hand. “I think it’s time to christen this house properly. What do you say?”

“I agree.” Liam got to his feet, too, and reached out for her.

She took their hands. “I’d love that. But there’s a problem.”